Michigan Economic Developers Association

Thank you Nick Posavetz for sharing more pictures and memories from the event!

Among the honorees was the presentation of the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship to Niki Schultz, Executive Director of the Alliance For Economic Success (AES). The goal of the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship is to increase #women and #minority participation in #economicdevelopment in a way that supports MEDA’s membership, its committees, and the organization as a whole, by increasing #opportunities for the #education needed to build each recipient’s skills and abilities in economic development. Niki was awarded because her glowing letters of recommendation stood out the most amongst the other candidates and the list of areas she desires to spend your scholarship monies reflects a commitment to her new position and professional growth. Niki began her work at AES after twelve years at the Wexford-Missaukee-Manistee Great Start Collaborative and has a goal of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (#CEcD). The future of our state looks brighter because of driven professionals like Niki and we look forward to working with her while she builds her career.

The Sieghart recipient is someone who enjoys #economicdevelopment and understands the importance of the profession to all #communities. This individual is interested in bringing more professionals into the fold with their passion and dedication. They know that more jobs and investment in a community will benefit the entire state, that the rising tide lifts all ships. Nominated by Bruce Seymore II, Vice President, Business Services at the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County (EDA), this year's recipient is Joseph McCulloch, Senior Business Development Manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). With a diverse career at the local and state level in organizations like the EDA of St. Clair County, Macomb-St. Clair MichiganWorks!, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development before landing at the MEDC, Joe is a great model for the economic development profession. He represents himself in a professional manner, provides insights into how economic development works to improve our communities, and is very approachable. He values collaboration, always making sure all relevant partners are involved. Thank you for being a great example, Joe!

The Emerging Star Award identifies outstanding contributions to economic development in Michigan within their first ten years of experience. Recipients of this award have demonstrated the ability to show leadership skills both inside and outside of MEDA while also volunteering within their own community. Nominated by Julie Burrell, Economic Development Director, Newaygo County with The Right Place, Inc., this year's recipient was Kelly Jo W., Executive Director of the Mecosta County Development Corporation with The Right Place, Inc. Kelly has made quite the impression already in her young economic development career. Aside from collaborating with other Right Place staff on the Gotion project from the day she started, Kelly has also assisted Big Rapids Products with a $3M expansion, resulting in 75 new jobs in the area. Additionally, she's prioritized workforce training, successfully bringing 160 Driving Academy to Big Rapids, offering CDL training, and filling a huge gap in the region. Kelly has built relationships with Ferris State University, the Mecosta County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and multiple municipalities within Mecosta County, encouraging collaboration and positive growth. We look forward to seeing what Kelly can do for Mecosta County and the entire state in the future!

The President of MEDA's Board of Directors is given the opportunity to select an award recipient each year. The recipient has made a significant recent impact on economic development in Michigan that positively impacts MEDA's membership or has contributed directly to MEDA in the short or long-term. 2024 Board President Alan M. Weber, EdD Weber, EdD, Managing Vice President, Business Development, Detroit Regional Partnership awarded Justin Robinson, Executive Vice President, Economic Development, Detroit Regional Partnership. Justin was awarded for his tireless passion, not only working to establish a best-in-class regional organization, but also building a high-caliber team of professionals, and being a driver of groundbreaking programs that that have changed the dynamic of how they conduct their successful and highly-recognized work. MEDA is proud to add Justin Robinson to its record of distinguished President's Award recipients.

The Mike Conboy Professional Development Award is given to MEDA members who have made substantial long-term contributions/commitments to MEDA, specifically focusing on the advancement of education and training and/or by expanding the knowledge base of economic developers. Nominated by Amy Clickner, CEcD, CFRM, FM, HLM, retired CEO of Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP), this year's recipient is Lois Ellis. Lois started her career in economic development at LSCP in 2002, where she was promoted to Vice President of economic development. She has also been the Upper Peninsula Business Development Manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director at Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Lois has been very active with MEDA, where she worked tirelessly when the Annual Meeting was held in Marquette, and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Lois retired in April 2024 and we wish her the best and thank her for her work advancing the profession.

Such a great memory at our conference last week: Samantha Fountain, CEcD with Samuel Bailey, SAMUEL MOORE, Samantha Schnettler, Samantha Mariuz, MPA, EDFP 😎😎😎😎😎

We are glad that everyone had such a great time!

Annual Meeting Trivia Night 2024! Wow, that was fun. Record loudest event in MEDA's history! 😎

Congratulations to MEDA member Kati Mora, MS, RDN for receiving this honorable award!